Press Release from Dubby’s Tailgate/Photos courtesy of Mike Beach
ALBION – Dubby’s Tailgate owners Rebecca Alexander, left, and Brian Alexander, right, are joined by American Cornhole League champions Miranda Coy and Lori Dool during a tournament on March 22.
Dubby’s Tailgate brought 108 teams to the area for the tournament. The 216 total players made it the biggest tournament so far for Dubby’s. Many of the players came from outside Orleans County, including some American Cornhole league pros and the two top-ranked female players, Miranda Coy and Lori Dool. (Dool is a graduate of Lockport High School who now resides in Delray Beach, FL. Many of her family members came to Dubby’s in Albion to see her play in person.)
Coy and Dool captured the top prize of the day – double dipping the team of Ron “Hat Man” Durinka and Mark Hamm in the championship match. The event was put together by the Moxham/Szczesny family of DLS Cornhole in honor of their mother/wife Donna Szczesny, better known as “Momma Shez.”
Proceeds from the event will go to the American Heart Association in her honor. DLS cornhole runs weekly Saturday night tournaments at Dubby’s Tailgate. Special thanks to Mike Beach for helping with the tournament software and Doug Michael B who was the MC.
Miranda Coy and Lori Dool won the tournament, with proceeds from the event going to the American Heart Association in honor of Donna Szczesny.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 March 2025 at 8:43 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Ella Trupo is the Fairy Godmother and D Johnson is the coachman in Albion High School Drama Department’s production of Cinderella on Friday night. There are two more shows today at noon and 7 p.m. in the Middle School Auditorium.
In this scene, the Fairy Godmother uses her magic to transform a pumpkin into a carriage. She sings, “It’s Possible.” The Fairy Godmother also used magic to turn small animals into horses to pull the carriage and transformed Cinderella’s dress into an elegant gown for the Prince’s Ball.
The production caps off a busy season of school musicals in Orleans County. All five districts performed full-length shows in the past two weeks.
Mallory Kozody is Cinderella and Zack Baron is Prince Christopher. They dance at the ball. Christopher reluctantly participated in the ball, not expecting to fall in love. But he feels a romantic connection with Cinderella.
Kozody and Baron are both seniors and have been in the Albion musicals since middle school.
Cinderella’s mean stepsisters are played by Mallory Ashbery, left, as Grace and Julia Button as Joy. Grace is pulling Joy’s hair. Grace is often itching her arms and Joy has a very obnoxious laugh. They are shown singing “Stepsisters’ Lament.” They are both jealous watching the prince dance with a beautiful, but oddly familiar girl.
Sawyer Brigham plays Lionel and has big news to share with the villagers: the prince is giving a ball. Lionel is the servant of Prince Christopher and his parents, King Maximilian and Queen Constantina.
Al Hand is Queen Constantina and unleashes a long scroll of invited guests for the prince’s ball, which the prince (Zack Baron) is not happy about. He agrees to attend only if his parents then let him pursue love on his own terms. Gideon Pask, left, is King Maximilian.
Mallory Kozody spins as Cinderella’s rags and transformed into a sparkling gown.
Phoebe Allen plays Stepmother who has a crush on Lionel, who heads throughout the kingdom with a glass slipper after Cinderella bolted at the ball after the clock struck midnight. After the Stepsisters’ feet didn’t fit the slipper, Stepmother wanted to try.
ALBION — Don’t worry about dinner on April 24! Arc GLOW has you covered.
Following a timeless tradition dating back over 30 years, Arc GLOW’s Spaghetti and Meatball Dinner will be returning 4:30-7 p.m. Thursday, April 24. Proceeds support the Meals on Wheels/Nutri-Fair program, which Arc GLOW has overseen since 2009.
“We are so thankful to the Burly Bros. Country Butchery for their generous donation of beef,” said Lisa Bors, vice president of Public Relations and Development.
The program’s main goal is to assist in maintaining the healthy independence of Orleans County’s senior population and improving their quality of life. In addition, Meals on Wheels acts as a wellness check.
Vicki Havholm, nutrition program manager, said drivers for Meals on Wheels checks on the clients Monday through Friday, and if there are any issues, Meals on Wheels will reach out to family members.
Meals are prepared every day. Kitchen staff arrive at 6 a.m. to start cooking, so that drivers can start delivering them by 11 a.m. The menu is put together monthly by a dietician, and Havholm meets with her head cook to look at last year’s menus to review them, and adjust to meet the needs of the community.
In addition to the Meals on Wheels staff, volunteers from the Arc GLOW day habilitation and prevocational programs help prepare meals.
Seniors can come to the Nutri-Fair locations in Kendall, 1873 Kendall Road, and Albion, 16 E. Academy St. Albion serves Monday through Friday at noon, and Kendall serves noon Wednesdays and Fridays. Call (585) 589-7817 ext. 1417 by at least 9 a.m. to inform the kitchen staff you are coming in. A notification of 24 hours is preferred.
The Meals on Wheels Spaghetti and Meatball Dinner cost $12 and children under 10 eat free. Tickets can be purchased at the door, 16 E. Academy St. in Albion.
Early bird tickets can be purchased at one of the following Arc GLOW locations: 64 Walnut St. in Batavia, 122 Caroline St. in Albion or 16 E. Academy St. in Albion. They can also be purchased at the Orleans County Office for the Aging at 14016 NY-31 in Albion.
For more information on Meals on Wheels and eligibility in Orleans County, contact (585) 589-5424 option 5 to sign-up. You can also visit ArcGLOW.org for information.
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Central School District is accepting applications for its 2025-26 pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) and kindergarten programs.
If you are a resident of the Lyndonville Central School District and your child will be 3, 4 or 5 by Dec. 1, 2025, they are eligible to enroll. If your child is already enrolled in our Pre-K program this year, they will automatically be pre-registered for the following year. Pre-K space is limited, but openings are available for all age groups.
Our developmentally appropriate Pre-K and kindergarten programs, which include breakfast and lunch at no cost to families, follow this schedule five days a week:
3-year-old Pre-K: 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
4-year-old Pre-K: 7:35 a.m. to 2:25 p.m.
Kindergarten: 7:40 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
If more students are pre-registered for Pre-K for the 2025-26 school year than available seats, a lottery will be held on May 1. If Pre-K seats remain, they will be filled per UPK and district guidelines.
It is important to begin the registration process as soon as possible! Pre-K and kindergarten screening will take place on June 23. The district will be hosting a Pre-K Open House on July 4, but seats fill up quickly. Getting your application in as soon as possible will ensure a higher chance of an available spot for your student.
If you have any questions or would like more information about the program, please call or email Dr. Elissa Smith, Elementary School Principal, at (585) 765-3122 or esmith@lcsdk12.org.
You will need to provide your name, address, and child’s name and date of birth. More information and a pre-registration form can be found at lyndonvillecsd.org/registration.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
ALBION – In partnership with the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) and Orleans County Office of Emergency Management, SCOPE of Orleans County is excited to offer a free Stop the Bleed course on Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Hoag Library, 134 South Main St., Albion.
Uncontrolled bleeding is the number one cause of preventable death after an injury. With just three quick actions, you can be trained and empowered to save a life.
Registration is required as only 20 spots are available due to equipment limitations. To secure your spot, email scopeorleans@outlook.com with your name, number of seats requested, and phone number. A confirmation email will be sent for all approved registrations.
There is no minimum age requirement, though we encourage parents/guardians to be aware that the course includes graphic images and content. Instructors have successfully taught children of all ages.
The partnership with GO Health and Orleans County Office of Emergency Management makes this training possible, supplying both instructors and equipment. This is our first time offering this training. If demand exceeds available seats, we will schedule additional sessions.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 March 2025 at 10:21 am
BARRE – Sean Pogue won’t be seeking another two-year term as the Barre town supervisor. Pogue has been the town’s top elected official during a time when two large-scale renewable energy projects have been approved, and the town tackled other projects.
Pogue knew going into the position it would be demanding and often controversial. Apex Clean Energy was already pursuing a project in Barre when he started in the position on Jan. 1, 2016.
Apex expects to soon start site work for the 126 megawatt project. It has been downsized from 184.8 megawatts, and from 33 to 27 turbines. Apex removed the turbines near the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.
“There was a lot of turmoil with the wind turbine project,” Pogue said.
Many long-time neighbors and friends were on opposite sides of the project, with some believing the project brought a large industry in rural neighborhoods, infringing on the quality of life. Others see it as a major financial windfall for the community, lowering taxes for everyone in Barre and providing a financial lifeline for some landowners.
AES also has approval for a 200 megawatt solar project that is about 80 percent in barre and 20 percent in Shelby.
Those two projects will bring hundreds of thousands each year to Barre, changing the Barre’s status from the highest town taxes in Orleans County to likely the lowest.
“The two projects will cut taxes for the community significantly,” Pogue said.
Barre Town Supervisor Sean Pogue gives the welcome message on June 30, 2018 during the town’s bicentennial celebration at the Barre Town Park. The event at the park followed a parade down Route 98.
Pogue said the Town Board and employees have pushed forward other projects as well, including new electricity and playground equipment at the Barre Town Park, LED lights for the street lights and at the town hall and town park.
The town completed Water District No. 9 and is trying to get District No. 10 done. The construction costs are up so much more that the town is seeking a bigger grant and financial assistance for the project to keep the costs affordable for residents, Pogue said.
“We wanted to finish off the water but right now it’s cost prohibitive,” Pogue said.
Pogue said the high-profile projects have been stressful, but he said his tenure was a great time to be the town supervisor, especially in 2018 when the town celebrated it’s bicentennial with a series of events. Pogue grew up his beard that year for the town’s 200th anniversary.
The Bicentennial Committee enjoyed the events so much that the group formed the Barre Betterment Committee which has organized a square dance, lighted tractor parade, trunk or treat at the town park and other celebrations for the community.
“We’re trying to get people to come out and participate,” Pogue said.
Pogue came into the position after a long career in education. He has a doctorate in educational leadership. He worked 37 years for the Rochester City School District, after three years as a high school science teacher for the Red Jacket school district.
He narrowly was re-elected in 2023, winning by 5 votes over Scott Burnside, 297 to 292.
Pogue said he may serve on the town planning or zoning board after he retires as town supervisor. He is looking forward to traveling and having more time for fishing.
“I’ve bought 20 new fishing lures I’m looking forward to trying,” he said.
The Barre Republican Committee has endorsed Steve Coville for supervisor. Coville will soon be retiring from security with the VA.
Barre town officials and community members celebrated a new playground at the town park on Route 98 on Aug. 12, 2024. Sean Pogue is at right in front with Councilman Dave Waters at left. The upgrades include six new playground pieces. The town also was able to keep three pieces of playground equipment – swings, a caterpillar climbing apparatus and a slide – and move them to the new spot in the park.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 March 2025 at 7:35 am
Event is a fundraiser for East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company
File photos by Tom Rivers: Cheech, one of the pro wrestlers who competed April 27, 2024 in the Medina High School gym, acknowledges the crowd after he won a five-man scramble. It was one of the featured battles in the “Spring Smash,” a benefit for the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. Empire State Wrestling brought a group of pro wrestlers, including three with ties to Orleans County, for the event which was attended by 450.
MEDINA – Pro wrestlers will be back April 26 at Medina High School. Empire State Wrestling announced “Spring Smash 3” will be at Medina in a benefit for the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.
This will be the third straight year the wrestlers have been in the Medina school gym. Last year’s wrestling attracted 450 people.
Empire State Wrestling first came to Orleans County in 2018 and used the Fairgrounds for the venue the first two years.
The lineup on April 26 includes two Medina natives: Gavin Glass “A Cut Above the Rest” and “Filthy” Maxx Cannon (Jacob Miller).
There will be a bout for the ESW Heavyweight Championship, pitting “Invincible” Vince Valor, the champion, vs. “Big League” John McChesney.
The ESW Women’s Championship will feature the champion, “Courageous” Christina Marie, versus “Miss Desirable” Eden Grey.
Tickets are available at ESWTIX.com at pre-sale prices, including discounted tickets for students. Ticket prices rise by $5 at the door.
Doors open at 5 p.m. with the opening bell set for 6 p.m.
Maxx Cannon gives a big facial reaction in his match against Frankie Feathers on April 27, 2024. Cannon had Feathers beat, but the referee missed the count after being knocked down.
Cannon said enjoys interacting with the crowd and being on the microphone, talking some trash with his opponents.
When he isn’t wrestling, Cannon is Jacob Miller of Medina. Miller, 31, has been wrestling for about five years.
Gavin Glass (right), a Medina native, is up high on the ropes with Darren Crowe during last year’s match at Medina High School. Glass used his “Glass Cutter” move to finish off Crowe.
Glass, 27, has been wrestling for almost a decade and travelled all over the country and Canada.
“I grew up wanting to do this since I was in fourth grade,” he said. “The dream has come true.”
Orleans DA, Justice for Children Advocacy Center coordinate the training
Provided photo: Pictured from left include Kathy Colgan, expert forensic interviewer; Susan Howard, Orleans County district attorney; Matt Stegner, retired State Police investigator; and Trisha Reynolds, program coordinator for Justice for Children Advocacy Center.
Press Release, Orleans County Crime Victim Coordinator Michelle Wirth
ALBION – Members of every law enforcement agency in Orleans County gathered today at the Orleans County Legislative Chambers to hear expert speakers share ideas and information as to advanced techniques in the investigation of child and adult sexual abuse cases.
The Justice for Children Advocacy Center, based in Genesee County with a satellite office in Albion, organized the event along with the District Attorney’s Office.
Expert Forensic Interviewer, Kathy Colgan, advised attendees in the best practices of handling these special victims with empathy, and outlined the services provided by the Advocacy Center.
Retired New York State Police Investigator Matt Stegner educated officers by offering a 10-step investigative checklist to guide these types of cases to a successful prosecution.
Orleans County has a very active Sex Abuse Task Force that meets monthly and consists of the District Attorney’s Office, the Child Advocacy Center, Child Protective Services, Probation, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, the New York State Police, the Albion Police Department, the Holley Police Department and the Medina Police Department.
These Special Victims’ cases are of utmost importance and the collaboration of all of the above agencies is essential.
This training was well-received by all and future educational opportunities are being planned.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 March 2025 at 3:38 pm
Program has low enrollment in Kendall, putting funding at risk
KENDALL – Community Action of Orleans and Genesee announced it will be closing a Head Start site in Kendall. There are currently 11 children in the program this school year, with six eligible to return next year.
That low enrollment puts the agency at risk of losing funding, said Renee Hungerford, Community Action executive director.
The Community Action board of directors followed a recommendation to close the Kendall program and that was approved on Wednesday by the Head Start Policy Council, which is predominantly Head Start parents. The decision follows “extend analysis,” she said.
“We are going to do all that we can to accommodate those families,” Hungerford said about the six eligible for the program next year.
Community Action has partnered with the Kendall district for the past 20 years to provide a Head Start preschool classroom.
“Unfortunately, the extremely difficult decision has been made to close this classroom at the end of this school year,” Hungerford said.
Head Start is a federally funded program which provides comprehensive, early childhood services to income eligible children and families living in poverty in both Orleans and Genesee counties since 1965, she said.
“The program has been identified as under enrolled and may be at risk of reduced funding despite ongoing recruitment efforts across the program, including in Kendall,” Hungerford said. “In hopes of preserving full funding, the program has and will be utilizing program data to make strategic operational changes.”
The children, families and staff displaced by the closing of the Kendall location will be offered opportunities at the other sites, the closest being in Albion.
All other Head Start sites will remain open but Hungerford said there may be some changes in format, such as the potential expansion to infant care and offering more full day classes.
Some parents have started an online petition (click here), hoping to keep the Head Start program in Kendall.
“I am asking for the community to come together and fight to keep this program at Kendall since this has made an overwhelmingly positive impact on the families and the community,” said Clancy Gaddy, co-chair of the policy council. “I hope we as a strong community can come together and support this program!”
Another parent, Chelsea Winkler, said Head Start has made a big impact on her children, providing services and friendships.
“I can’t imagine our lives without these relationships or the opportunity to have been part of this program,” Winkler said. “I am so devastated for the teachers and staff, along with the kids who desperately need this program and the support it provides.”
ALBION – The Orleans County Youth Bureau today announced that nominations are now open for its 43rd Annual Youth Recognition awards.
The purpose of these awards is to recognize those youth who have performed outstanding service for our community and/or have assumed an extraordinary role within their families by helping to support themselves.
“Many older adults often hold negative perceptions of today’s youth, when in fact, there are some young people doing some very extraordinary things in service of others,” said Jack Welch, chief administrative officer for Orleans County. “Our youth awards want to shine the spotlight on these young men and women and let the community know of their great work.”
Anyone is welcome to nominate a candidate, but nominations from family members must be accompanied by a supporting recommendation from a non-family member. Nominees must reside in an Orleans County school district and be a minimum of 14 years of age and under the age of 21 before June 30.
In addition to the youth recognition awards, the Youth Bureau is also accepting nominations for the Helen Brinsmaid Award, given to an Orleans County youth-serving professional, in a paid position, whose work surpasses normal expectations, and the Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Recognition Award, presented to an adult who serves the youth of Orleans County in a volunteer setting.
“We also want to honor the wonderful adults who are really making a difference in working with our young people,” Welch said. “Let’s not forget, they are mentoring those who will one day assume leadership roles in our community.”
All nomination forms can be found by clicking here. Nominations must be submitted to the Youth Bureau by April 15.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 March 2025 at 1:09 pm
ALBION – The Walmart Foundation has given the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office a $5,000 grant to continue the “Shop with a Cop” program.
Walmart has funded the effort since 2019 in Orleans County. The Sheriff’s Office typically assists about a dozen kids in picking out presents for their family members. The cost of the presents is paid for with the grant.
The County Legislature on Tuesday approved accepting the grant from the Walmart Foundation with the funds to be spent by Dec. 31, 2025.
